Many legal materials are available on the Internet

Describe five questions you should
ask about any legal resource you find on the Internet to winnow down your research
results to those that are really useful.


The five questions a paralegal should ask are:
Who created it, and why did they post it on the Internet?â€"Does the information come from a neutral source or an interest group? From someone with experience and credentials or a crank? Before you rely on the results of a Web search, check to make sure your results have a legitimate pedigree.
Is it accurate?â€"Joe's Legal Blog may be fun to read, but has Joe accurately reproduced a court opinion or statute? It is always best to check unofficial materials against either an official Web resource or a commercial service that certifies the accuracy of its materials.
Is it up to date?â€"Last year's brilliant Web site on employment law in Arizona might be wrong if there has been a new statute, regulation, or case since it was posted.
Is it easy to use?â€"Many court Web sites are harder to use than commercial services such as Westlaw. It may save your client a few dollars in search costs, but if it takes you twice as long to find the information, the total bill won't be any less.
What is the coverage?â€"Does the resource cover material only up to a certain date? Can you tell easily? How can you get the most up-to-date information? Your clients are paying for your expertise in researchâ€"you must be able to deliver them a comprehensive answer.

Legal Studies & Paralegal

You might also like to view...

The _____________________  _________________ of the injury is the act most closely and directly responsible for that injury.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Legal Studies & Paralegal

What is the difference between a deposition on written questions and written interrogatories?

What will be an ideal response?

Legal Studies & Paralegal

An MCL is required as part of:

a. The MPRSA b. The Water Quality Act c. The Safe Drinking Water Act d. The Oil Pollution Act

Legal Studies & Paralegal

An owner’s basis in his or her property is the net sales price received by the owner from the sale of the home. 

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Legal Studies & Paralegal